Why is regular kitchen appliance maintenance important?

Regular maintenance can help appliances perform efficiently, prevent avoidable problems and last longer.

How often should kitchen appliances be cleaned and maintained?

Follow the schedule in each appliance’s owner’s manual and address spills, debris, unusual noises or performance changes promptly.

Can homeowners perform microwave repairs themselves?

Internal microwave repairs should be handled by a professional because components can retain a dangerous electrical charge after the appliance is unplugged.

Can a home warranty cover kitchen appliance repairs?

A home warranty may help cover eligible repairs or replacements when covered kitchen appliances fail due to normal wear and tear.

Homeowner Tips

Kitchen Appliance Maintenance Tips for Ovens, Refrigerators, and More

August 3, 2026 | By Bonnie Gretzner | 4 min read

Four appliance technicians inspecting and repairing an oven, refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher.

We all have routines for cleaning the kitchen, but appliance maintenance often gets overlooked. Regular upkeep can help your refrigerator, oven, microwave, and dishwasher perform at their best and last longer, so you can keep enjoying meals and making memories for years to come.

Always review your appliance’s owner’s manual before cleaning, removing parts, or performing maintenance.

Stove and Oven Maintenance

If your stove or oven stops working, dinner plans can change quickly. Pizza night, anyone? Follow these tips to help keep them in working order:

Remove burn marks from ceramic stovetops using a cleaning method recommended by the manufacturer. A silicone spatula and a paste made from baking soda and water may help with some surfaces.
If your stove has burner coils, watch for bright red patches or uneven heating. This could indicate that the burner needs to be replaced or inspected.
Clean spills after the oven has cooled, and deep clean the oven as recommended in the owner’s manual.

Pro tip: Avoid spraying cleaning solutions directly around control knobs, where moisture could reach the electrical components. Follow the owner’s manual before removing or cleaning the knobs.

Caring for Your Fridge And Freezer

Storing food properly is important, but so is making sure your refrigerator and freezer are ready to handle it all. Help prevent issues with these steps:

Check your owner’s manual to determine whether the condenser coils require cleaning. If they are accessible, remove dust using the method recommended for your model.
Pay attention to unusual noises, temperature changes, or water leaks, which may indicate that the appliance needs service.
Check the door gaskets to ensure a tight seal, which helps keep cold air inside. Wipe them down regularly to remove food, dust, and debris.
Clean the icemaker and freezer according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. If your freezer requires manual defrosting, defrost it when noticeable ice buildup develops.

Microwave Maintenance

Don’t let a broken microwave derail your leftovers. Keep it running with these monthly habits:

Clean the interior and exterior regularly, even if you cover your food, to help protect the door and seal.
Inspect removable parts, such as the turntable, and replace them when needed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Call a professional for internal repairs. Microwave components can retain a dangerous electrical charge well after the appliance has been unplugged.

Dishwasher Care

Your dishwasher can keep handling the dirty work if you maintain it properly:

Check whether the filter is removable and clean it regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Check the spray arm openings for food or debris and wipe the spray arm clean as needed.
Remove and clean the spray arm periodically if your owner’s manual provides instructions for doing so.

Learn how an APHW home warranty can help with covered kitchen appliance repairs and replacements. Call 866-589-5518 or visit APHW.com for a free quote.